Methods and compositions for treating solid tumors and enhancing tumor vaccines

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides methods of treating and enhancing efficacy of immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that modulates the expression or activity of ETRB, ET-1, ICAM-1, or another protein found herein to play a role in homing of T cells to a solid tumor. The present invention also provides methods of prognosticating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of measuring an expression level of a protein found herein to play a role in homing of T cells to a solid tumor, or a nucleotide molecule encoding same.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Applications 60/907,091, filed Mar. 21, 2007 and 60/907,138, filed Mar. 22, 2007, both which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The invention described herein was supported in whole or in part by grants from The National Institutes of Health (Grant No. R01 CA098951, P50-CA083638, K12-HD43459, and D43-TW00671). The government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention provides methods of treating and enhancing efficacy of immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that modulates the expression or activity of ETRB, ET-1, ICAM-1, or another protein found herein to play a role in homing of T cells to a solid tumor. The present invention also provides methods of prognosticating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of measuring an expression level of a protein found herein to play a role in homing of T cells to a solid tumor, or a nucleotide molecule encoding same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of cancer immune therapy using adoptively transferred T cells or tumor vaccines. Although these have achieved marked response in some patients, they have fallen short of expectations in others. The success of cell-mediated immune rejection mechanisms depends in part on the ability of effector cells to adequately infiltrate tumors. Yet, the mechanisms governing homing of effector cells into tumors remain poorly understood. Specifically, the role of endothelium in T cell homing to tumors has not been elucidated to date.

Evidence exists that a variety of solid human tumors, including melanoma, gastrointestinal, breast, lung and ovarian cancer, are spontaneously infiltrated by T cells. Within each tumor type, the intensity of tumor-infiltrating T cells may vary significantly, and brisk T cell infiltrate has been associated with improved prognosis. For example, T cells infiltrating tumor islets (intraepithelial T cells) are detected only in a select group of patients in ovarian cancer. These patients exhibit markedly improved progression-free and overall survival, a finding recently confirmed by others.

Methods for improving cancer vaccine immunotherapy are urgently needed in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods of treating and enhancing efficacy of immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that modulates the expression or activity of ETRB, ET-1, ICAM-1, or another protein found herein to play a role in homing of T cells to a solid tumor. The present invention also provides methods of prognosticating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of measuring an expression level of a protein found herein to play a role in homing of T cells to a solid tumor, or a nucleotide molecule encoding same.

In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an activity of an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB), thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an activity of an ETRB, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an expression of an ETRB, thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an expression of an ETRB, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an expression of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an expression of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an activity of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an activity of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an expression of a protein selected from CASP8 and FADD-like apoptosis regulator (CFLAR) protein; estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1); caldesmin-1; adrenergic receptor B2 (ADRBK2); IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an expression of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ110330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an activity of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an activity of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ110330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is a solid tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an expression or activity of an endothelin-1 (ET-1) protein, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. In another embodiment, a cancer cell of the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an interaction between an ETRB and ET-1, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. In another embodiment, a cancer cell of the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of identifying a subject with a solid tumor likely to benefit from a chemotherapy prior to a oncologic surgery, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level of an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) or a nucleotide molecule encoding an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) in the solid tumor; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is higher than the reference standard, then the subject is likely to benefit from the chemotherapy prior to the oncologic surgery. In another embodiment, the chemotherapy is a neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In another embodiment, the oncologic surgery is a debulking surgery. In another embodiment, the surgery is a cytoreductive surgery. In another embodiment, the surgery is a palliative surgery. In another embodiment, the surgery is a supportive surgery. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of prognosticating a solid tumor in a subject, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level of an ETRB or a nucleotide molecule encoding an ETRB in the solid tumor; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is higher than the reference standard, then the prognosis is less favorable than a subject for whom the expression level is lower than or equal to the reference standard. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of identifying a subject with a solid tumor likely to benefit from an immunotherapy, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level of an ETRB or a nucleotide molecule encoding an ETRB in the solid tumor; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is lower than the reference standard, then the subject is likely to benefit from an immunotherapy. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an expression or activity of an intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) protein, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference designators are used to designate like elements, and in which

FIG. 1: FIG. 1A. Immuno-LCM steps. Left panel: Rapid IHC for CD31 allows prompt identification of vasculature in ovarian cancer frozen sections. Middle panel: Tissue section after LCM of CD31⁺ cells. Right panel: captured tumor vascular cells. FIG. 1B. RT-PCR analysis of lineage-specific markers in RNA from tumor vascular cells (TVC) isolated with immuno-LCM, whole tumor (Tum) or a no template control (NTC). FIG. 1C. Scatter plot and correlation value of amplified RNA from unstained tissue (Pre IHC) versus RNA amplified after IHC optimized as in Table 1 (Post IHC). FIG. 1D-A. Heat map condition tree developed using a hierarchical clustering algorithm, excluding all genes where the difference between the means of the tumor and normal vascular samples was less than its standard error. FIG. 1D B. Red color shown alone. FIG. 1D-C Green color shown alone. FIGS. 1E-A and 1E-B. Archived Gene Expression Datasets. Data used for expression of the TVM in normal and tumor tissue samples; also available in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO; National Center for Biotechnology Information [NCBI]) with series numbers GSE3526 and GSE2109, respectively. All CEL-files were similarly processed using the Robust Multi-array Average (RMA) algorithm.

FIG. 2. Quality of total RNA isolated from 8 μm frozen ovarian cancer tissue sections through different methodologies and analyzed by Agilent Bioanalyzer (A-E), quantitative real-time PCR (F) or Affymetrix U133A arrays (G). A. RNA distribution profiles following fixation with different fixatives. (Lanes: 1, ethanol; 2, methanol; 3, acetone; 4, acetic acid+ethanol; 5, paraformaldehyde). B. RNA profiles after isolation without immunostaining (Lane 1) or following IHC with or without RNAse inhibitor. (Lanes: 2, RNA Protector; 3, Placental RNAse inhibitor; 4, SuperRNASin; 5, RNA Protector+SuperRNASin; 6, no RNAse inhibitor. C. RNA profiles after different immunostaining procedures. (Lanes: 1, IHC using DAB; 2, IHC using AEC; 3, immunofluorescence). D. Time course demonstrating RNA stability after IHC performed with procedure optimized as in Table 1. (Lanes: 1, 0 min; 2, 30 min; 3, one hr; 4, two hrs; 5, three hrs). E. RNA profiles following different RNA isolation methods. (Lanes: 1, Arcturus kit; 2, Stratagene kit; 3, modified Trizol; 4, Zymo kit). F. qRT-PCR for β-actin transcripts with RNA purified with the indicated RNA purification protocols. G. Scatter plots and correlation values of amplified RNA (y-axis) to unamplified total tumor RNA (x-axis).

FIG. 3. Vascular cells from ITC(+) and ITC(−) tumors cluster separately. A. Condition tree and heat map based on vascular cell RNA expression from normal vasculature (Blue), ITC(−) tumor vascular cells (Yellow) and ITC(+) tumor vascular cells (Red). Samples were classified using a list of genes previously identified to classify tumor versus normal vascular cells and then sorted based on high expression in ITC(+) versus ITC(−) vascular samples. B. List of genes differentially expressed.

FIG. 4. qRT-PCR confirmation of differential mRNA expression. A. qRT-PCR of whole tumor RNA for the indicated genes from 28 stage III epithelial ovarian cancers 16 ITC(+) and 12 ITC(−). B. qRT-PCR for the indicated genes on FACS isolated tumor endothelial cells from 4 ITC(+) and 3 ITC(−) tumors. ** indicates statistically significant difference between samples with p<0.05.

FIG. 5. Confirmation of Protein Expression. A. Immunohistochemistry for ET_(B)R, confirming protein expression in tumor vascular cells from epithelial ovarian cancer. B. Western blot analysis demonstrating increase ETRB protein ITC(−) tumors as compared to ITC(+) tumors (Left panels) and increased ETRB expression in ITC(+) poor prognosis tumors (overall survival<36 months) (right panels). C. A bar graph showing Endothelin-1 (ET-1) mRNA expression in ovarian cancer with or without TIL (n=16 each, mean±SD, p=0.26).

FIG. 6. A. ETRB as a Biomarker for Poor Prognosis in Ovarian Cancer. Disease-free and overall survival curves from a panel of 61 stage III epithelial ovarian cancer patients based upon ITC status (+) vs (−) and based upon high or low ETRB mRNA expression level as determined by qRTPCR. B. A graph showing the impact of treatment with BQ-788, starting at 2 or at 5 weeks, on tumor growth.

FIG. 7. ETRB inhibition restricts tumor growth and increases overall survival in vaccinated animals. A and B. Tumor growth curves for ID8 tumors injected in the flank of animals treated with either no therapy (Vaccine−), anti-tumor vaccine and control protein therapy (Vaccine+), no vaccine and BQ788 therapy, or vaccine and BQ788 therapy. Arrows indicate time of BQ788 or control protein administration at either 2 weeks (A) or 5 weeks after tumor engraftment (B). C. Overall survival curves of animals injected with intraperitoneal ID8 cells, which received either anti-tumor vaccine+control protein therapy (Vaccine+) or vaccine+BQ788 therapy. BQ788 therapy was initiated two weeks after injection of intraperitoneal ID8 cells.

FIG. 8. ETRB inhibition leads to increased CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration into tumors. A. IHC demonstrating few intratumoral CD8 positive cells in vaccinated control animals (left panels) but significant numbers of CD8⁺ T cells after early or delayed administration of BQ788 (middle and left panels). B FACS analysis demonstrating increased numbers of CD3⁺, CD8⁺ T cells in BQ788 treated animals as compared to control animals. C. T cell proliferation assay in response to ID8 pulsed dendritic cells from vaccinated-BQ788 treated animals or controls. D. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay demonstrating the ability of CD8⁺ splenocytes from vaccinated control and BQ788 vaccinated animals to lyse ID8 cells. E. A graph showing flow cytometric quantification of total CD8⁺ tetramer+ cells in TC-1 tumors from a mouse treated with vaccine plus BQ-788 or vaccine alone. F. Shows ascites development in vaccinated animals treated with BQ-788 and animals treated with control peptide.

FIG. 9. A. Morphologic changes observed in BQ788-treated HUVEC in the presence of Endothelin, as compared to Endothelin only or Endothelin plus BQ123 treated HUVEC. B. qRTPCR demonstrating increased expression of ICAM1 and decreased expression of VE-Cadherin in Endothelin+BQ788-treated HUVEC as compared to Endothelin alone, Endothelin+BQ788, or BQ788 alone treated HUVEC. C. Demonstration of an increased ability of T cells to adhere to Endothelin+BQ788-treated HUVEC.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods of treating and enhancing efficacy of immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that modulates the expression or activity of ETRB, ET-1, ICAM-1, or another protein found herein to play a role in homing of T cells to a solid tumor. The present invention also provides methods of prognosticating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of measuring an expression level of a protein found herein to play a role in homing of T cells to a solid tumor, or a nucleotide molecule encoding same.

In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an activity of an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB), thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an activity of an ETRB, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an expression of an ETRB, thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an expression of an ETRB, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an expression of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an expression of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an activity of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KLAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an activity of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an expression of a protein selected from CASP8 and FADD-like apoptosis regulator (CFLAR) protein; estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1); caldesmin-1; adrenergic receptor B2 (ADRBK2); C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an expression of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an activity of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby treating a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an activity of a protein whereby the compound is or the composition comprises CFLAR. In another embodiment, the compound is ESR1. In another embodiment, the compound is caldesmin-1. In another embodiment, the compound is ADRBK2. In another embodiment, the compound is C3. In another embodiment, the compound is IMAGE:2755380. In another embodiment, the compound is ZNFN1A5. In another embodiment, the compound is LOC283663. In another embodiment, the compound is IGLJ3. ZNF521. In another embodiment, the compound is COL05405. In another embodiment, the compound is CYP1B1. In another embodiment, the compound is EIF5B. In another embodiment, the compound is IMAGE. In another embodiment, the compound is 1518332. In another embodiment, the compound is HSPC056. In another embodiment, the compound is FLJ32949. In another embodiment, the compound is IMAGE:244300. In another embodiment, the compound is FLJ10330. In another embodiment, the compound is C18orf14. In another embodiment, the compound is IMAGE:2115041. In another embodiment, the compound is GBP1. In another embodiment, the compound is IMAGE:731714. In another embodiment, the compound is SFRS1. In another embodiment, the compound is NICAL. In another embodiment, the compound is NOL7. In another embodiment, the compound is MYCBP2. In another embodiment, the compound is IMAGE:2275600. In another embodiment, the compound is ADRBK2. In another embodiment, the compound is EST366269. In another embodiment, the compound is SCAP2. In another embodiment, the compound is STK3. In another embodiment, the compound is AKAP10. Thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is a solid tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment the compound used in the compositions described herein for increasing the activity of a protein selected is CFLAR, or ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, AKAP10, or their combination in other discrete embodiments of the compounds used in the methods and compositions provided herein.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an expression or activity of an endothelin-1 (ET-1) protein, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. In another embodiment, a cancer cell of the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that reduces an interaction between an ETRB and ET-1, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. In another embodiment, a cancer cell of the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of identifying a subject with a solid tumor likely to benefit from a chemotherapy prior to a oncologic surgery, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level of an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) or a nucleotide molecule encoding an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) in the solid tumor; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is higher than the reference standard, then the subject is likely to benefit from the chemotherapy prior to the oncologic surgery. In another embodiment, the ETRB level is measured in a tumor endothelial cell (TEC) or TEC population of the tumor. In another embodiment, the chemotherapy is a neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In another embodiment, the oncologic surgery is a debulking surgery. In another embodiment, the surgery is a cytoreductive surgery. In another embodiment, the surgery is a palliative surgery. In another embodiment, the surgery is a supportive surgery. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of identifying a subject with a solid tumor likely to benefit from a chemotherapy prior to a oncologic surgery, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level of an ET-1 or a nucleotide molecule encoding an ET-1 in the solid tumor; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is higher than the reference standard, then the subject is likely to benefit from the chemotherapy prior to the oncologic surgery. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of identifying a subject with a solid tumor likely to benefit from a chemotherapy prior to a oncologic surgery, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level in the solid tumor of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB; or a nucleotide molecule encoding a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is higher than the reference standard, then the subject is likely to benefit from the chemotherapy prior to the oncologic surgery. In another embodiment, the expression level is measured in a TEC or TEC population of the tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of identifying a subject with a solid tumor likely to benefit from a chemotherapy prior to a oncologic surgery, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level in the solid tumor of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10 or a nucleotide molecule encoding a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is lower than the reference standard, then the subject is likely to benefit from the chemotherapy prior to the oncologic surgery. In another embodiment, the expression level is measured in a TEC or TEC population of the tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, “chemotherapy” refers to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In another embodiment, the term refers to any other type of chemotherapy known in the art. In another embodiment, “oncologic surgery” refers to a debulking surgery. In another embodiment, the surgery is a cytoreductive surgery. In another embodiment, the surgery is a palliative surgery. In another embodiment, the surgery is a supportive surgery. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of prognosticating a solid tumor in a subject, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level of an ETRB or a nucleotide molecule encoding an ETRB in the solid tumor; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is higher than the reference standard, then the prognosis is less favorable than a subject for whom the expression level is lower than or equal to the reference standard. In another embodiment, the ETRB level is measured in a TEC or TEC population of the tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of prognosticating a solid tumor in a subject, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level of an ET-1 or a nucleotide molecule encoding an ET-1 in the solid tumor; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is higher than the reference standard, then the prognosis is less favorable than a subject for whom the expression level is lower than or equal to the reference standard. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of prognosticating a solid tumor in a subject, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level in the solid tumor of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB; or a nucleotide molecule encoding a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is higher than the reference standard, then the prognosis is less favorable than a subject for whom the expression level is lower than or equal to the reference standard. In another embodiment, the expression level is measured in a TEC or TEC population of the tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of providing a prognosis on treatment of a subject having a solid tumor, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level in the solid tumor of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10; or a nucleotide molecule encoding a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is higher than the reference standard, then the prognosis is more favorable than a subject for whom the expression level is lower than or equal to the reference standard. In another embodiment, the expression level is measured in a TEC or TEC population of the tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of identifying a subject with a solid tumor likely to benefit from an immunotherapy, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level of an ETRB or a nucleotide molecule encoding an ETRB in the solid tumor; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is lower than the reference standard, then the subject is likely to benefit from an immunotherapy. In another embodiment, the method identifies a subject likely to benefit from immunotherapy in the absence of BQ788. In another embodiment, a subject exhibiting a high ETRB expression level is a candidate for immunotherapy in conjunction with BQ788. In another embodiment, the expression level is measured in a TEC or TEC population of the tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of identifying a subject with a solid tumor likely to benefit from an immunotherapy, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level of an ET-1 or a nucleotide molecule encoding an ET-1 in the solid tumor; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is lower than the reference standard, then the subject is likely to benefit from an immunotherapy. In another embodiment, the method identifies a subject likely to benefit from immunotherapy in the absence of BQ788. In another embodiment, a subject exhibiting a high ET-1 expression level is a candidate for immunotherapy in conjunction with BQ788. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of identifying a subject with a solid tumor likely to benefit from an immunotherapy, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level in the solid tumor of a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB; or a nucleotide molecule encoding a protein selected from Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is lower than the reference standard, then the subject is likely to benefit from an immunotherapy. In another embodiment, the method identifies a subject likely to benefit from immunotherapy in the absence of BQ788. In another embodiment, a subject exhibiting a high expression level is a candidate for immunotherapy in conjunction with BQ788. In another embodiment, the expression level is measured in a TEC or TEC population of the tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of identifying a subject with a solid tumor likely to benefit from an immunotherapy, the method comprising the steps of (a) measuring an expression level in the solid tumor of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10; or a nucleotide molecule encoding a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference standard, whereby, if the expression level is lower than the reference standard, then the subject is likely to benefit from an immunotherapy. In another embodiment, the method identifies a subject likely to benefit from immunotherapy in the absence of BQ788. In another embodiment, a subject exhibiting a high expression level is a candidate for immunotherapy in conjunction with BQ788. In another embodiment, the expression level is measured in a TEC or TEC population of the tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an expression of an intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) protein, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted with the compound or composition. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a compound or composition that increases an activity of an ICAM-1 protein, thereby enhancing an efficacy of an immunotherapy for a solid tumor in a subject. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted with the compound or composition. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is an epithelial ovarian tumor. In another embodiment, the solid tumor is any other type of solid tumor known in the art. In another embodiment, the tumor is contacted by the compound or composition. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of inhibiting tumor growth in a subject, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition that decreases the expression or activity of a protein selected from ETRB, ET-1, Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby inhibiting tumor growth in a subject.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of inhibiting tumor growth in a subject, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition that increases the expression or activity of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby inhibiting tumor growth in a subject.

In another embodiment, a method of the present invention is performed following oncologic surgery. In another embodiment, the method is performed following debulking surgery. In another embodiment, the method is performed following administration of chemotherapy. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of inhibiting growth of metastases in a subject, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition that decreases the expression or activity of a protein selected from ETRB, ET-1, Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby inhibiting growth of metastases in a subject.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of inhibiting growth of metastases in a subject, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition that increases the expression or activity of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby inhibiting growth of metastases in a subject.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of abrogating tolerance of a subject to a tumor, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition that decreases the expression or activity of a protein selected from ETRB, ET-1, Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA046, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby abrogating tolerance of a subject to a tumor.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of abrogating tolerance of a subject to a tumor, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition that increases the expression or activity of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby abrogating tolerance of a subject to a tumor.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of increasing T cell homing to a tumor, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition that decreases the expression or activity of a protein selected from ETRB, ET-1, Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB, thereby increasing T cell homing to a tumor.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of increasing T cell homing to a tumor, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition that increases the expression or activity of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby increasing T cell homing to a tumor.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of increasing T cell retention in a tumor islet, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition that decreases the expression or activity of a protein selected from ETRB, ET-1, Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLCIA4, and SGCB, thereby increasing T cell retention in a tumor islet.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of increasing T cell retention in a tumor islet, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition that increases the expression or activity of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYPlB1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby increasing T cell retention in a tumor islet.

In another embodiment, provided herein is an isolated CD8⁺ cell or cell population isolated from a vaccinated BQ-788-treated animal. In another embodiment, the CD8⁺ cell or cell population is isolated from a tumor of a vaccinated BQ-788-treated animal. In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of isolating a tumor-antigen specific T cell, comprising the step of administering an Endothelin antagonist to a tumor-bearing animal. In another embodiment, the Endothelin antagonist is an ETRB antagonist. In another embodiment, the Endothelin antagonist is BQ-788. In another embodiment, the Endothelin antagonist is any other type of Endothelin antagonist known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is an isolated CD8⁺ cell or cell population isolated from an animal that has been treated with a compound or composition the decreases the expression or activity of a protein selected from ET-1, Musashi 2, delta-like 1, Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, MEG3, SEC61G, KIAA1609, ACTR6, clone LNG00414, ATP9A, IMAGE:23539, NCOA1, WIT1, PAPSS2, ALDOA, ZNF423, ENPP2, HSU79266, KIAA0146, IMAGE:1902075, EMX2, MYBL1, MPHOSPH9, IMAGE:1660792, IMAGE:191524, IMAGE:2365035, TAF3, SLC1A4, and SGCB. In another embodiment, the CD8⁺ cell or cell population is isolated from a tumor of the animal. In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of isolating a tumor-antigen specific T cell, comprising the step of administering the compound or composition to a tumor-bearing animal. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is an isolated CD8⁺ cell or cell population isolated from an animal that has been treated with a compound or composition the increases the expression or activity of a protein selected from CFLAR; ESR1; caldesmin-1, ADRBK2; C3, IMAGE:2755380, ZNFN1A5, LOC283663, IGLJ3, ZNF521, COL05405, CYP1B1, EIF5B, IMAGE:1518332, HSPC056, FLJ32949, IMAGE:244300, FLJ10330, C18orf14, IMAGE:2115041, GBP1, IMAGE:731714, SFRS1, NICAL, NOL7, MYCBP2, IMAGE:2275600, ADRBK2, EST366269, SCAP2, STK3, and AKAP10, thereby increasing T cell retention in a tumor islet. In another embodiment, the CD8⁺ cell or cell population is isolated from a tumor of the animal. In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of isolating a tumor-antigen specific T cell, comprising the step of administering the compound or composition to a tumor-bearing animal. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The animal used in methods and compositions of the present invention is, in another embodiment, a mouse. In another embodiment, the animal is a rodent. In another embodiment, the animal is any animal used for research purposes. In another embodiment, the animal is any other suitable animal known in the art.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing the effectiveness of a tumor immunotherapy in a subject, comprising the step of administering to the subject a composition that reduces the expression or activity of RGC32, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of a tumor immunotherapy in a subject.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing the effectiveness of a tumor immunotherapy in a subject, comprising the step of administering to the subject a composition that reduces the expression or activity of VE-Cadherin, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of a tumor immunotherapy in a subject.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing the effectiveness of a tumor immunotherapy in a subject, comprising the step of inhibiting an ETRB-mediated pathway, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of a tumor immunotherapy in a subject. In another embodiment, the pathway is an intracellular pathway. In another embodiment, the pathway is an extracellular pathway. In another embodiment, the production of nitric oxide (NO) is inhibited. In another embodiment, the production of extracellular Ca2⁺ is inhibited. In another embodiment, the production of prostacyclin is inhibited. In another embodiment, the production of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor is inhibited. In another embodiment, the ETRB pathway that is inhibited is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathway. In another embodiment, the pathway involves activation of phospholipase C by the GPCR. In another embodiment, the pathway involves generation of inositol triphosphate from the phospholipase C. In another embodiment, the pathway involves generation of diacylglycerol from the phospholipase C. In another embodiment, the inositol triphosphate stimulates calcium release. In another embodiment, the diacylglycerol causes protein kinase C activation. In another embodiment, the ETRB pathway that is a phospholipase D pathway. In another embodiment, diacylglycerol is generated by the phospholipase D activation. In another embodiment, phospholipase A2 is stimulated by the phospholipase D activation. In another embodiment, arachidonic acid is released following phospholipase A2 stimulation. In another embodiment, the Na+/H+ exchanger is activated by the phospholipase D. In another embodiment, a tyrosine kinase is activated by the phospholipase D. In another embodiment, a MAP kinase is activated by the phospholipase D. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Endothelin receptor-activated pathways are well known in the art, and are described for example, in Ignarro et al (Ignarro L J, Buga G M, Wood K S, Byrns R E, Chaudhuri G. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1987; 84:9265-9269); Furchgott et al (Furchgott R F, Vanhoutte P M. FASEB J. 1989; 3:2007-2018); Fleming et al (Fleming I, Busse R. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 1999; 31:5-14); Vanhoutte et al (Vanhoutte P M. Nature. 1998; 396:213, 215-216); and Brandes et al (Brandes R P, Schmitz-Winnenthal F H, Feletou M, Godecke A, Huang P L, Vanhoutte P M, Fleming I, Busse R. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2000; 97:9747-9752). Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment of methods of the present invention, the compound or composition is brought into contact with the solid tumor. In another embodiment, a tumor endothelial cells (TEC) of the solid tumor is contacted. In another embodiment, an endothelial cell of the solid tumor contacted. In another embodiment, wherein an ovarian tumor is the target, the ovarian tumor is contacted. In another embodiment, a TEC of the ovarian tumor is contacted. In another embodiment, an endothelial cell of the ovarian tumor contacted. In another embodiment, the compound or composition is administered systemically. In another embodiment, the compound or composition is administered directly to the tumor. In another embodiment, the compound or composition is administered in the vicinity of the tumor. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment of methods of the present invention, the subject has received an immunotherapy. In another embodiment, the subject is currently receiving an immunotherapy. In another embodiment, the subject is slated to receive an immunotherapy. “Currently receiving” refers, in another embodiment, to a subject between doses of an immunotherapy regimen. In another embodiment, the term refers to a subject that has received or will receive a dose of the immunotherapy regimen on the same day as the method of the present invention is performed. In another embodiment, the subject receives a dose of the immunotherapy regimen in the same week as the method of the present invention is performed. In another embodiment, the subject receives a dose of the immunotherapy regimen simultaneously with performing a method of the present invention. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

“Immunotherapy” refers, in another embodiment, to a vaccine therapy. In another embodiment, the term refers to direct vaccination of the subject. In another embodiment, the term refers to passive vaccination of the subject. In another embodiment, the term refers to transfer to the subject of a population of cells comprising anti-tumor antigen-specific T cells. In another embodiment, the population of cells is from a donor. In another embodiment, the population of cells is from the subject. In another embodiment, the population of cells is expanded ex vivo. In another embodiment, the anti-tumor antigen-specific T cells in the population of cells are expanded ex vivo.

In another embodiment, the term refers to cytokine treatment. In another embodiment, the term refers to interferon treatment. In another embodiment, the term refers to growth factor treatment. In another embodiment, the term refers to antibody therapy. In another embodiment, the term refers to therapy with a compound that modulates T cell activity. In another embodiment, the term refers to therapy with an adjuvant. In another embodiment, the term refers to adoptive lymphocyte therapy. In another embodiment, the term refers to cellular immunotherapy. In another embodiment, the term refers to toll-like receptor therapy. In another embodiment, the term refers to any therapeutic method that utilizes an immune mechanism.

Each type of immunotherapy represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Methods for ex vivo immunotherapy are well known in the art and are described, for example, in Davis I D et al (Blood dendritic cells generated with Flt3 ligand and CD40 ligand prime CD8⁺ T cells efficiently in cancer patients. J. Immunother. 2006 September-October; 29(5):499-511) and Mitchell M S et al (The cytotoxic T cell response to peptide analogs of the HLA-A*0201-restricted MUC1 signal sequence epitope, M1.2. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2006 Jul. 28). Each method represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, “immunotherapy” comprises the steps of (a) inducing ex vivo, from human blood cells obtained from a donor, formation and proliferation of human CTL that recognize a malignant cell of the cancer; and (b) infusing the human CTL into the subject.

The anti-ETRB compound of methods and compositions of the present invention is, in another embodiment, BQ788. In another embodiment, the compound is Bosentan (Tracleer™). In another embodiment, the compound is tezosentan. In another embodiment, the compound is Pergolide. In another embodiment, the compound is any other anti-ETRB compound known in the art. In another embodiment, the compound is a general inhibitor of Endothelin receptors. In another embodiment, the compound is specific for ETRB. In another embodiment, the compound preferentially inhibits ETRB over other Endothelin receptors. In another embodiment, the compound is an antibody. In another embodiment, the compound is an anti-ETRB antibody.

In another embodiment, the dose of BQ788 is below that used to inhibit angiogenesis.

Various embodiments of dosage ranges of BQ788 can be used, in another embodiment, in methods of the present invention. In one embodiment, the dosage is in the range of 1-80 mg/day. In another embodiment, the dosage is in the range of 5-80 mg/day. In another embodiment the dosage is in the range of 20-80 mg/day. In another embodiment the dosage is in the range of 20-60 mg/day. In another embodiment the dosage is in the range of 40-60 mg/day. In another embodiment the dosage is in a range of 45-60 mg/day. In another embodiment the dosage is in the range of 15-25 mg/day. In another embodiment the dosage is in the range of 55-65 mg/day. In one embodiment, the dosage is 20 mg/day. In another embodiment, the dosage is 40 mg/day. In another embodiment, the dosage is 60 mg/day. In another embodiment, the dosage is 80 mg/day.

In another embodiment, the dosage is 20 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 10 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 30 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 40 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 60 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 80 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 100 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 150 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 200 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 300 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 400 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 600 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 800 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 1000 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 1500 μg. In another embodiment, the dosage is 2000 μg.

In another embodiment, the dosage is 10 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 20 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 30 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 40 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 60 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 80 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 100 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 150 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 200 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 300 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 400 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 600 g/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 800 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 1000 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 1500 μg/BQ788/dose. In another embodiment, the dosage is 2000 μg/BQ788/dose.

In another embodiment, the BQ788 is administered systemically at 1 of the above doses. In another embodiment, the BQ788 is administered intra-tumorally at 1 of the above doses. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment of methods and compositions of the present invention, the compound used to reduce expression of a protein is an antisense molecule. In another embodiment, the compound is an RNA inhibitory molecule. In another embodiment, the compound is any other type of compound known in the art that is capable of reducing expression of a protein or its transcript. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The step of “decreasing” the expression of a protein in a method of the present invention comprises, in another embodiment, directly decreasing the protein level. In another embodiment, the step comprises inhibiting transcription of the nucleotide molecule (e.g. mRNA) encoding the protein. In another embodiment, the step comprises inhibiting translation of the mRNA. In another embodiment, the step comprises inducing, enhancing, or increasing degradation of the mRNA. In another embodiment, the step comprises inducing, enhancing, or increasing degradation of the protein itself. In another embodiment, the step comprises any other method of decreasing the expression of a gene or protein that is known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, a method of the present invention comprises the use of a bivalent antibody that binds to both a therapeutic compound and a protein identified in the present invention. In another embodiment, the polyvalent antibody is conjugated to both a tumoricidal compound and a protein identified in the present invention. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, an anti-cancer agent is conjugated to a ligand that binds a protein identified in the present invention or a nucleotide encoding same and administered to the subject. In another embodiment, the ligand is an antibody. In another embodiment, the ligand is a complementary nucleotide molecule. In another embodiment, the ligand is a small molecule. In another embodiment, the ligand is any other type of molecule known in the art capable of binding a protein identified in the present invention or a nucleotide encoding same. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The anti-cancer agent utilized in methods and compositions of the present invention is, in another embodiment, a radioactive isotope. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is a cytotoxic agent. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is a cytotoxic drug. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is a nucleic acid molecule. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is an antisense molecule. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is an RNA inhibitory molecule. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is an anti-tumor agent. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is a cytotoxic virus. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is a cytotoxic pathogen. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is a nanosphere. In another embodiment, the nanosphere is loaded with a cytotoxic compound. In another embodiment, the nanosphere is loaded with a chemotherapy drug. In another embodiment, the nanosphere is loaded with a toxin. In another embodiment, the nanosphere is loaded with an anti-cancer compound. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is a nanoparticle. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is an engineered T cell. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is an engineered cytotoxic cell. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is any other type of engineered molecule known in the art. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is any other agent used in cancer therapy. In another embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is any other type of anti-cancer agent known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, virions whose tail tube major subunit (V) proteins are modified with a cyclizable Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide are able to transfect tumor cells at a significant frequency. Phage-mediated transfection with virions whose tail tube major subunit (V) proteins are modified with a cyclizable Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) capable of expressing the compounds described herein are used in one embodiment with the compositions described herein for the treatment methods provided.

“Engineered T cell” refers, in another embodiment, to a T cell designed to recognize a cell containing or expressing a molecule of interest. In another embodiment, the molecule of interest is a TVM of the present invention. In another embodiment, the term refers to a T cell with redirected specificity (T-bodies) for a TVM. In another embodiment, an engineered T cell of the present invention expresses a ligand that binds to or interacts with a TVM. In another embodiment, the engineered T cell exhibits specific activity against a TVC.

In another embodiment, an engineered T cell of the present invention expresses a chimeric immunoreceptor (CIR) directed against a TVM. In another embodiment, the CIR contains a bi-partite signaling module. In another embodiment, the extracellular module of the CIR is a single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody that binds or interacts with a TVM. In another embodiment, the intracellular module of the CIR contains a costimulatory domain. In another embodiment, the costimulatory domain is a 4-1BB domain. In another embodiment, the costimulatory domain is a TCRζ domain. In another embodiment, the CIR contains both a 4-1 BB domain and a TCRζ domain.

In another embodiment, an engineered T cell of the present invention is expanded in culture. In another embodiment, an engineered T cell of the present invention is activated in culture.

Each type of engineered T cell represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

“Cytotoxic virus” refers, in another embodiment, to a virus capable of lysing a cell. In another embodiment, the term refers to a virus capable of lysing a tumor cell. In another embodiment, the virus is a recombinant virus that has been engineered to exhibit a characteristic favorable for anti-tumor activity. In another embodiment, the virus is wild-type, other than is conjugation to an antibody or ligand of the present invention. In another embodiment, the virus is an attenuated virus. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the cytotoxic agent or anti-tumor agent is concentrated in the solid tumor. In another embodiment, the cytotoxic agent or anti-tumor agent is targeted to the solid tumor. In another embodiment, concentration of the cytotoxic agent or anti-tumor agent induces cytotoxicity in a tumor cell of the solid tumor. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Endothelin antagonists are well known in the art, and are described, for example, in Dasgupta et al (Dasgupta F, Mukherjee A K, Gangadhar N. Curr Med Chem. 2002 March; 9(5):549-75); Dingemanse et al (Dingemanse J, Clozel M, van Giersbergen P L. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2002 June; 39(6):795-802); and Zimmermann et al (Zimmermann M, Seifert V. Clin Auton Res. 2004 June; 14(3):143-5). Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The ETRB of methods and compositions of the present invention has, in another embodiment, the sequence:

MQPPPSLCGRALVALVLACGLSRIWGEERGFPPDRATPLLQTAEIMTPPTKTLWPKGSNA SLARSLAPAEVPKGDRTAGSPPRTISPPPCQGPIEIKETFKYINTVVSCLVFVLGIIGNSTLLRIIYKN KCMRNGPNILIASLALGDLLHIVIDIPINVYKLLAEDWPFGAEMCKLVPFIQKASVGITVLSLCALS IDRYRAVASWSRIKGIGVPKWTAVEIVLIWVVSVVLAVPEAIGFDIITMDYKGSYLRICLLHPVQK TAFMQFYKTAKDWWLFSFYFCLPLAITAFFYTLMTCEMLRKKSGMQIALNDHLKQRREVAKTV FCLVLVFALCWLPLHLSRILKLTLYNQNDPNRCELLSFLLVLDYIGINMASLNSCINPIALYLVSKR FKNCFKSCLCCWCQSFEEKQSLEEKQSCLKFKANDHGYDNFRSSNKYSSS (SEQ ID No: 1; GenBank Accession # M74921). In another embodiment, the ETRB is a homologue of SEQ ID No: 1. In another embodiment, the ETRB is a variant of SEQ ID No: 1. In another embodiment, the ETRB is an isomer of SEQ ID No: 1. In another embodiment, the ETRB is a proteolytic product of SEQ ID No: 1. In another embodiment, the ETRB is a precursor of SEQ ID No: 1. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the ETRB has a sequence set forth in 1 of the following GenBank Accession Numbers: NM_000115, NM_003991, AB209198, E07650, BC014472, S75587, S44866, or S75586. In another embodiment, the ETRB is a homologue of 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. In another embodiment, the ETRB is a variant of 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. In another embodiment, the ETRB is an isomer of 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. In another embodiment, the ETRB is a proteolytic product of 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. In another embodiment, the ETRB is a precursor of 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. In another embodiment, the ETRB is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The ET-1 of methods and compositions of the present invention has, in another embodiment, the sequence:

MDYLLMIFSLLFVACQGAPETAVLGAELSAVGENGGEKPTPSPPWRLRRSKRCSCSSLM DKECVYFCHLDIIWVNTPEHVVPYGLGSPRSKRALENLLPTKATDRENRCQCASQKDKKCWNF CQAGKELRAEDIMEKDWNNHKKGKDCSKLGKKCIYQQLVRGRKIRRSSEEHLRQTRSETMRNS VKSSFHDPKLKGNPSRERYVTHNRAHW (SEQ ID No: 2; GenBank Accession # NM_001955). In another embodiment, the ET-1 is a homologue of SEQ ID No: 2. In another embodiment, the ET-1 is a variant of SEQ ID No: 2. In another embodiment, the ET-1 is a isomer of SEQ ID No: 2. In another embodiment, the ET-1 is a proteolytic product of SEQ ID No: 2. In another embodiment, the ET-1 is a precursor of SEQ ID No: 2. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the ET-1 has a sequence set forth in 1 of the following GenBank Accession Numbers: DQ496112, DQ890981, AK226096, BC009720, BC036851. In another embodiment, the ET-1 is a homologue of 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. In another embodiment, the ET-1 is a variant of 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. In another embodiment, the ET-1 is an isomer of 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. In another embodiment, the ET-1 is a proteolytic product of 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. In another embodiment, the ET-1 is a precursor of 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. In another embodiment, the ET-1 is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in 1 of the above GenBank Accession Numbers. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Methods for measuring the expression level of a protein or nucleotide (e.g. mRNA) molecule are well known in the art. In another embodiment, the method comprises a polymerase chain reaction (PCR; see Experimental Examples herein). In another embodiment, the method comprises use of an antibody. In another embodiment, the method is Western blotting. In another embodiment, the method is an antibody ELISA kit. In another embodiment, the method is an RT-PCR kit. In another embodiment, the method is an RNA isolation kit. In another embodiment, the means is a cDNA synthesis kit. In another embodiment, the method is any other method of measuring the expression level of a protein or nucleotide that is known in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, a protein or nucleotide molecule of the present invention is homologous to a peptide disclosed herein. The terms “homology,” “homologous,” etc, when in reference to any protein or peptide, refer, in one embodiment, to a percentage of amino acid residues in the candidate sequence that are identical with the residues of a corresponding native polypeptide, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent homology, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Methods and computer programs for the alignment are well known in the art.

Homology is, in another embodiment, determined by computer algorithm for sequence alignment, by methods well described in the art. For example, computer algorithm analysis of nucleic acid sequence homology can include the utilization of any number of software packages available, such as, for example, the BLAST, DOMAIN, BEAUTY (BLAST Enhanced Alignment Utility), GENPEPT and TREMBL packages.

In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to a sequence selected from SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 70%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to a sequence selected from SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 72%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 75%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to a sequence selected from SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 78%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 80%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 82%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to a sequence selected from SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 83%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 85%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 87%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to a sequence selected from SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 88%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 90%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 92%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to a sequence selected from SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 93%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 95%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to a sequence selected from SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 96%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 97%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 98%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of greater than 99%. In another embodiment, “homology” refers to identity to one of SEQ ID No: 1-88 of 100%. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, homology is determined via determination of candidate sequence hybridization, methods of which are well described in the art (See, for example, “Nucleic Acid Hybridization” Hames, B. D., and Higgins S. J., Eds. (1985); Sambrook et al., 2001, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, N.Y.; and Ausubel et al., 1989, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Green Publishing Associates and Wiley Interscience, N.Y). In other embodiments, methods of hybridization are carried out under moderate to stringent conditions, to the complement of a DNA encoding a native caspase peptide. Hybridization conditions being, for example, overnight incubation at 42° C. in a solution comprising: 10-20% formamide, 5×SSC (150 mM NaCl, 15 mM trisodium citrate), 50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.6), 5×Denhardt's solution, 10% dextran sulfate, and 20 μg/ml denatured, sheared salmon sperm DNA.

Protein and/or peptide homology for any AA sequence listed herein is determined, in another embodiment, by methods well described in the art, including immunoblot analysis, or via computer algorithm analysis of AA sequences, utilizing any of a number of software packages available, via established methods. Some of these packages include the FASTA, BLAST, MPsrch or Scanps packages, and, in another embodiment, employ the use of the Smith and Waterman algorithms, and/or global/local or BLOCKS alignments for analysis, for example. Each method of determining homology represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, “nucleic acids” or “nucleotide” refers to a string of at least two base-sugar-phosphate combinations. The term includes, in one embodiment, DNA and RNA. “Nucleotides” refers, in one embodiment, to the monomeric units of nucleic acid polymers. RNA is, in one embodiment, in the form of a tRNA (transfer RNA). In another embodiment, the RNA is snRNA (small nuclear RNA). In another embodiment, the RNA is rRNA (ribosomal RNA). In another embodiment, the RNA is mRNA (messenger RNA). In another embodiment, the RNA is anti-sense RNA. In another embodiment, the RNA is small inhibitory RNA (siRNA). In another embodiment, the RNA is micro RNA (miRNA). In another embodiment, the RNA is a ribozyme. In another embodiment, the RNA is agRNA (antigenic RNA). “agRNA” refers, in another embodiment, to a double stranded RNA capable of interacting with mRNA and silencing gene transcription. The use of siRNA and miRNA has been described (Caudy A A et al, Genes & Devel 16: 2491-96 and references cited therein). DNA can be, in other embodiments, in form of plasmid DNA, viral DNA, linear DNA, or chromosomal DNA, or derivatives of these groups. In addition, these forms of DNA and RNA can be single, double, triple, or quadruple stranded. The term also includes, in another embodiment, artificial nucleic acids that contain other types of backbones but the same bases. In one embodiment, the artificial nucleic acid is a PNA (peptide nucleic acid). PNA contain peptide backbones and nucleotide bases and are able to bind, in one embodiment, to both DNA and RNA molecules. In another embodiment, the nucleotide is oxetane modified. In another embodiment, the nucleotide is modified by replacement of one or more phosphodiester bonds with a phosphorothioate bond. In another embodiment, the artificial nucleic acid contains any other variant of the phosphate backbone of native nucleic acids known in the art. The use of phosphothiorate nucleic acids and PNA are known to those skilled in the art, and are described in, for example, Neilsen P E, Curr Opin Struct Biol 9:353-57; and Raz N K et al Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 297:1075-84. The production and use of nucleic acids is known to those skilled in art and is described, for example, in Molecular Cloning, (2001, Sambrook and Russell, eds.) and Methods in Enzymology: Methods for molecular cloning in eukaryotic cells (2003; Purchio and G. C. Fareed, eds.). Each nucleic acid derivative represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a kit comprising a reagent utilized in performing a method of the present invention. In another embodiment, provided herein is a kit comprising a composition, tool, or instrument of the present invention.

“Contacting,” in another embodiment, refers to directly contacting the target cell with a composition of the present invention. In another embodiment, “contacting” refers to indirectly contacting the target cell with a composition of the present invention. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment, the composition of the present invention is carried in the subjects' bloodstream to the target cell. In another embodiment, the composition is carried by diffusion to the target cell. In another embodiment, the composition is carried by active transport to the target cell. In another embodiment, the composition is administered to the subject in such a way that it directly contacts the target cell. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Pharmaceutical Compositions and Methods of Administration

Pharmaceutical compositions containing compositions of the present invention can be, in another embodiment, administered to a subject by any method known to a person skilled in the art, such as parenterally, paracancerally, transmucosally, transdermally, intramuscularly, intravenously, intra-dermally, subcutaneously, intra-peritonealy, intra-ventricularly, intra-cranially, intra-vaginally or intra-tumorally.

In another embodiment of methods and compositions of the present invention, the pharmaceutical compositions are administered orally, and are thus formulated in a form suitable for oral administration, i.e. as a solid or a liquid preparation. Suitable solid oral formulations include tablets, capsules, pills, granules, pellets and the like. Suitable liquid oral formulations include solutions, suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, oils and the like. In another embodiment of the present invention, the active ingredient is formulated in a capsule. In accordance with this embodiment, the compositions of the present invention comprise, in addition to the active compound and the inert carrier or diluent, a hard gelating capsule.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administered by intravenous, intra-arterial, or intra-muscular injection of a liquid preparation. Suitable liquid formulations include solutions, suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, oils and the like. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administered intravenously and are thus formulated in a form suitable for intravenous administration. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administered intra-arterially and are thus formulated in a form suitable for intra-arterial administration. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administered intra-muscularly and are thus formulated in a form suitable for intra-muscular administration.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administered topically to body surfaces and are thus formulated in a form suitable for topical administration. Suitable topical formulations include gels, ointments, creams, lotions, drops and the like. In another embodiment, for topical administration, the compositions are prepared and applied as solutions, suspensions, or emulsions in a physiologically acceptable diluent with or without a pharmaceutical carrier.

In another embodiment, the active compound is delivered in a vesicle, e.g. a liposome.

In other embodiments, carriers or diluents used in methods of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a gum, a starch (e.g. corn starch, pregeletanized starch), a sugar (e.g., lactose, mannitol, sucrose, dextrose), a cellulosic material (e.g. microcrystalline cellulose), an acrylate (e.g. polymethylacrylate), calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, talc, or mixtures thereof.

In other embodiments, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for liquid formulations are aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions or oils. Examples of non-aqueous solvents are propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Aqueous carriers include water, alcoholic/aqueous solutions, emulsions or suspensions, including saline and buffered media. Examples of oils are those of animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin, for example, peanut oil, soybean oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, fish-liver oil, another marine oil, or a lipid from milk or eggs.

In another embodiment, parenteral vehicles (for subcutaneous, intravenous, intraarterial, or intramuscular injection) include sodium chloride solution, Ringer's dextrose, dextrose and sodium chloride, lactated Ringer's and fixed oils. Intravenous vehicles include fluid and nutrient replenishers, electrolyte replenishers such as those based on Ringer's dextrose, and the like. Examples are sterile liquids such as water and oils, with or without the addition of a surfactant and other pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants. In general, water, saline, aqueous dextrose and related sugar solutions, and glycols such as propylene glycols or polyethylene glycol are preferred liquid carriers, particularly for injectable solutions. Examples of oils are those of animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin, for example, peanut oil, soybean oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, fish-liver oil, another marine oil, or a lipid from milk or eggs.

In other embodiments, the compositions further comprises binders (e.g. acacia, cornstarch, gelatin, carbomer, ethyl cellulose, guar gum, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, povidone), disintegrating agents (e.g. cornstarch, potato starch, alginic acid, silicon dioxide, croscarmelose sodium, crospovidone, guar gum, sodium starch glycolate), buffers (e.g., Tris-HCI., acetate, phosphate) of various pH and ionic strength, additives such as albumin or gelatin to prevent absorption to surfaces, detergents (e.g., Tween 20, Tween 80, Pluronic F68, bile acid salts), protease inhibitors, surfactants (e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate), permeation enhancers, solubilizing agents (e.g., glycerol, polyethylene glycerol), anti-oxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfite, butylated hydroxyanisole), stabilizers (e.g. hydroxypropyl cellulose, hyroxypropylmethyl cellulose), viscosity increasing agents (e.g. carbomer, colloidal silicon dioxide, ethyl cellulose, guar gum), sweeteners (e.g. aspartame, citric acid), preservatives (e.g., Thimerosal, benzyl alcohol, parabens), lubricants (e.g. stearic acid, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate), flow-aids (e.g. colloidal silicon dioxide), plasticizers (e.g. diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate), emulsifiers (e.g. carbomer, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate), polymer coatings (e.g., poloxamers or poloxamines), coating and film forming agents (e.g. ethyl cellulose, acrylates, polymethacrylates) and/or adjuvants. Each of the above excipients represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The compositions also include, in another embodiment, incorporation of the active material into or onto particulate preparations of polymeric compounds such as polylactic acid, polglycolic acid, hydrogels, etc, or onto liposomes, microemulsions, micelles, unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles, erythrocyte ghosts, or spheroplasts.) Such compositions influence, in another embodiment, the physical state, solubility, stability, rate of in vivo release, and rate of in vivo clearance.

The preparation of pharmaceutical compositions that contain an active component, for example by mixing, granulating, or tablet-forming processes, is well understood in the art. The active therapeutic ingredient is often mixed with excipients that are pharmaceutically acceptable and compatible with the active ingredient. For oral administration, the active agents are mixed with additives customary for this purpose, such as vehicles, stabilizers, or inert diluents, and converted by customary methods into suitable forms for administration, such as tablets, coated tablets, hard or soft gelatin capsules, aqueous, alcoholic or oily solutions. For parenteral administration, the active agents are converted into a solution, suspension, or emulsion, if desired with the substances customary and suitable for this purpose, for example, solubilizers or other substances.

Each of the above additives, excipients, formulations and methods of administration represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the term “administering” refers to bringing a subject in contact with an active compound of the present invention. In another embodiment, administration is accomplished in vitro, i.e. in a test tube. In another embodiment, administration is accomplished in vivo, i.e. in cells or tissues of a living organism. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administering an active composition or compound of the present invention as the sole active ingredient. However, also encompassed within the scope of the present invention are methods for chemotherapy that comprise administering the active composition or compound in combination with one or more therapeutic agents (e.g. anti-tumor agents or cancer chemotherapy agents).

Experimental Details Section Materials and Experimental Methods

Tissues

Stage-III epithelial ovarian cancer and ductal breast cancer specimens were collected at the University of Turin, Italy, following informed consent, from previously untreated patients. Additional ovarian cancer specimens, and normal ovaries were collected at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center after obtaining written informed consent under Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved protocols. Malignant mesothelioma (n=3), non-small cell lung carcinoma (n=3) (provided by Dr. Steven M. Albelda) and malignant melanoma (n=3) (provided by Dr. David Elder) were collected after obtaining written informed consent under IRB-approved protocols. A panel of normal human tissues (FIG. 3) was provided by the Cooperative Human Tissue Network. All specimens were processed in compliance with HIPAA requirements.

Reagents

Antibody against human CD31 (BD Pharmingen) followed by secondary antibodies (Vector, Burlingame, Calif.) were diluted (1:10) in PBS containing RNA Protector (1:10, Roche, Basel, Switzerland). Streptavidin conjugate and AEC chromagen (Dako, Carpenteria, Calif.) were diluted in PBS containing RNA Protector. Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) was performed using Microcut (MMI, Glattbrugg, Switzerland), employing less than three hours per slide.

RNA Isolation

In order to increase RNA yield, dissected samples were treated with pre-digested proteinase-K. RNA was isolated using TRIzol reagent microprotocol (Gibco, Carlsbad, Calif.). Glycogen carrier (20 μg) was utilized to increase RNA yield in all protocols. RNA integrity and quantity were assayed using the Bioanalyzer (Agilent, Foster City, Calif.).

RNA Amplification

RNA was amplified using MESSAGEAMP (Ambion, Austin, Tex.), with the following modifications: First-strand synthesis was performed at 42° C. (2 hours), then 48° C. (10 min) After second-strand synthesis, RNA was transcribed at 37° C. (12 hours); T7-polymerase and RNAse inhibitor were added and transcription was continued for 12 more hours. After 2 rounds of amplification, cRNA was biotin-labeled (12-24 hours, ENZO RNA labeling kit, Farmingdale, N.Y.) and purified using RNA cleanup (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.).

Arrays

Immunohistochemistry-guided laser capture microdissection was performed from 24 epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC) with or without (12 each) intratumoral T cells (ITC). CD31 positive cells with a vascular morphology were isolated and RNA extracted using TRIzol. RNA was amplified using the Ambion MessageAmp kit, and hybridized to the U133a and U133B human genome arrays from Affymetrix.

Array Analysis

Genes were identified that were present in at least 1 of the 29 samples analyzed; and only those genes that demonstrated at least a 1.5-fold increase or decrease in relative expression between ITC(+) and ITC(−) tumor vascular cells were further analyzed. Using hierarchical clustering, a gene tree was generated using the resulting list of differentially genes. Molecules were identified that were present in vascular cells from at least 9 of 14 ITC(+) tumors and upregulated by at least 2-fold compared to ITC(−) vascular cells. Similarly, molecules were identified that were present in vascular cells from at least 6 of 11 ITC (−) tumors and 2-fold upregulated compared to ITC(+) tumor vascular cells using Genespring software (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, Calif.). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot of 60 EOC tumors was used to confirm over-expression of Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) in ITC(−) tumors.

qrT-PCR

qRT-PCR was performed using primers to the 3′ end of transcripts spanning intron-exon boundaries whenever possible for 35 cycles using SYBERGREEN (ABI, Foster City, Calif.), with primers at 150 nM concentrations. Primers were 18-24 nucleotides and were designed to have a TM of 59-61° C. All transcripts were confirmed using 3% agarose gel electrophoresis. Gene expression was normalized against β-actin in all studies unless stated otherwise.

Immunostaining

For validation studies, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed using the VECTASTAIN ABC® kit (Vector, Burlingame, Calif.). All primary antibodies were incubated for one hour. Immuno-reaction was visualized with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (Vector). All staining steps were performed at room temperature.

Bioinformatic and Statistical Analyses

Statistical significance for mRNA expression differences between tissue types was determined using a two-tailed Student's t-Test. Pearson's correlation was used to determine linearity of arrays performed with one versus two rounds of amplification or before and after immuno-LCM. Analyses of expression profiles were performed using GENESPRING SOFTWARE (Agilent); all samples were normalized with the median defined as 1.0. A heat map condition tree was developed using a hierarchical clustering algorithm (GENESPRING) excluding all genes where the difference between the means of the tumor and normal vascular samples was less than its standard error. Descriptive statistics were performed with the SPSS® statistics software package (SPSS, IL, USA). The algorithm for the nonparametric method based on the ranks of the expression level for tumor and normal samples was developed in SAS 9.1.

Optimization of Immunostaining

To procure highly purified tumor vasculature, a rapid and reliable immuno-LCM protocol was established for microarray applications. Different fixation conditions were tested, including −20° C. acetone; 70% ethanol: 10% acetic acid (1:1 vol:vol); methanol; or 4% paraformaldehyde. Fixation with acetone or ethanol-based fixatives resulted in the greatest RNA yield (FIG. 2A). Acetic acid:ethanol fixation did not enable optimal IHC visualization of select target proteins. Acetone fixation was chosen for all further experiments.

Next, immunostaining was optimized. RNA isolated from tissue sections after standard IHC using LSAB (Dako) or Vectastain (Vector) showed near-complete degradation (FIG. 2B-6). We thus developed an ultra-fast IHC protocol with increased concentrations of reagents. High concentrations of RNAse inhibitor were added to all aqueous solutions. The choice of RNAse inhibitor was critical for RNA integrity. RNA PROTECTOR (Roche) was found to be superior to placental RNAse inhibitor (Stratagene) or SUPERRNASIN (Ambion), leading to two-fold increase in RNA yield and integrity (FIG. 2B). Combining RNAse inhibitors reduced the efficacy of RNA Protector. Addition of RNA Protector to IHC allowed for 90% preservation of RNA integrity, based upon comparison of ribosomal RNA ratios determined using the Agilent Bioanalyzer.

Next detection systems were compared. AEC chromagen resulted in 40% greater RNA yield than DAB. Immunofluorescence resulted in 100% increased RNA yield compared to AEC (FIG. 1C), but contaminating cells were poorly identifiable without counterstaining, as assessed by qRT-PCR detection of the T-cell marker CD3-ε. Furthermore, fluorescence quenching limited LCM time. Thus, AEC IHC was used for subsequent experiments.

In addition, the effect of LCM time on RNA yield and integrity was examined. Leaving immunostained tissue sections at room temperature for up to three hours before RNA was isolated had no significant impact on the quality or quantity of RNA isolated (FIG. 1D).

Optimization of RNA Purification.

RNA amplification methods (Arcturus Picopure kit, Stratagene microRNA isolation kit, Zymo mini RNA isolation kit and the modified TRIzol method for less than 10⁵ cells) were compared for RNA yield and quality after immuno-LCM. Arcturus Picopure gave the highest RNA yield for tissues stained with hematoxylin alone, but not following IHC (FIG. 2E). The protocol from ZYMO also resulted in low RNA yield. Conversely, the Stratagene micro RNA isolation kit and the modified TRIzol method gave significantly better and similar yields by quantification with the Agilent Bioanalyzer.

RNA quality was tested by qRT-PCR of GADPH and β-actin transcripts in total RNA procured from 1×10⁶ cells microdissected and processed as in Table 2. GADPH or β-actin transcripts were detected at similar levels in RNA isolated with the modified TRIzol method using phase-lock tubes (Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany) or with the Stratagene micro RNA isolation kit. Arcturus picopure and ZYMO RNA isolation kits were 10-fold and 256-fold less sensitive, respectively (FIG. 2F).

The resulting protocol, requiring approximately 25 minutes for IHC, proved successful for numerous antibodies (Table 1). While some antibodies required longer incubation times (up to 15 minutes), there was no loss of RNA yield or integrity. Staining was quite specific, even with high concentrations of antibody. The protocol was reproducibly able to capture 500,000 μm² of tumor vascular cells in 3 hours of microdissection and recover ˜20 ng total RNA. RNA was reproducibly amplified to 15 μg of biotin-labeled cRNA.

Optimization of RNA Amplification

The linearity of amplifications using Ambion MessageAmp® was tested by comparing the gene expression profile of 10 μg unamplified whole tumor RNA to amplified 6, 24 or 60 ng of the same RNA. Transcriptional profiling was performed using Affymetrix U133 chips. Correlation between unamplified RNA and 24 or 60 ng input RNA was high (r²=0.93 and 0.94, respectively) (FIG. 2G). Correlation was lower with 6 ng input RNA (r²=0.87). High correlation was found between gene expression profiles from amplifications of input. RNA procured from the same tumor performed within the same experiment (intra-assay, r²=0.99) or in different experiments (inter-assay, r²=0.97). Immuno-LCM had no impact on expression profile (FIG. 1C).

TABLE 1 List of antibodies tested, company and clone used in the study as indicated. AA/ Antibody Company Clone Acetone EtOH Biot hCD45 BD Pharm H130 *** -- Biot hCD31 Ancell 158-2B3 *** ** Biot hCD31 Caltag MBC 78.2 ** ** hCD31 Dako JC70A ** ** Biot CD146 Chemicon MAB16985B *** *** CytoKeratin Dako AO575 * -- Biot hCD3 BD Pharm UCHT1 *** -- Fitc hCD31 BD Pharm WM59 *** *** SMA-α-Cy3 Sigma 1A4 ND ND FOLH1 Zymed ZMD.80 ND ND STC2 Genway A22017 ND ND Biot CD74 BD Pharm Mb741 ND ND AML-1 Active Motif Polyclonal ND ND hCD34-PE BD Pharm 581 ND ND F-Spon Abcam Ab14271-50 ND ND Lrp4 Abcam Ab13388-25 ND ND Endothelial Cayman Chemical Polyclonal ND ND Lipase Success with staining using the rapid IHC protocol for LCM following fixation in acetone or acetic acid/ethanol (AA/EtOH) is reported on the side for tested antibodies. (--), poor stain, (*) fair stain, (**) good stain, (***) excellent stain. ND, not determined.

The optimized Immuno-LCM protocol is summarized in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Summary of Immuno-LCM Protocol Tumor Freshly cut 8 μm sections of snap frozen tumor IHC** Fix in −20° C. Acetone - 4 min Incubate with primary Ab 1:10 - 5 min Incubate with 3x biotinylated anti-mouse Ab (Vector) - 5 min. Brief wash in PBS 2.5X Streptavidin-biotin amplification (DAKO) - 5 min Brief wash in PBS AEC (DAKO) stain - 3 to 5 min Brief wash in PBS Stain with dilute hematoxylin Rinse (** All steps with 1:10 RNAse Protector) LCM Dry tissue sections with hair dryer - 1 min Microdissect cells - up to 3 hours RNA isolation Treat with Proteinase K (10 μg/ml) - 8 min Extract RNA with TRIzol in phase lock gel - 1 hour RNA Amplification Use Ambion MessageAmp ®

During the optimization of RNA isolation and amplification methodology, it was found that the immuno-LCM procedure had minimal impact on RNA integrity (FIG. 2A-F) or gene expression profiling (FIGS. 1C and 2G).

The absence of tumor cell and lymphocyte lineage-specific markers was confirmed in immuno-LCM purified TECs by RT-PCR and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

ETRB as an Ovarian Carcinoma Biomarker

RNA was isolated from 61 snap-frozen advanced stage (III and IV) EOC specimens collected from previously untreated patients undergoing debulking surgery. Quantitative PCR was used to assay ETRB expression. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare ENDR expression among groups defined by ITC and debulking. The survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier procedure. Hazard ratios for ENDR expression were obtained from Cox proportional hazard models and presented with their 95% confidence intervals.

BQ788 as a Tumor Vaccine Adjuvant

Two injections of 5×10 6^(th) UV irradiated ID8 ovarian cancer cells were injected sub-cutaneously in C57B16 mice one week apart. Vaccinated mice and non-vaccinated controls were injected with 5×10⁶ ID8 cells in the flank with 300 ml matrigel or intraperitoneally. Tumors were allowed to grow for 2 or 5 weeks as indicated, and then treated with intraperitoneal injections of BQ-788 (300 mcg) or control peptide for 2 weeks.

FACS analysis was performed using APC-CD45 (BD Pharmingen), PE-anti CD3, FITC anti CD4, and Biotin anti-CD8 coupled with streptavid PE-Cy7.

IHC was performed using the Vectastain kit (Vector) mouse anti-ETRB (Abcam 1922-225), anti ADRBK2 (AbCAM, rabbit polyclonal), anti-ESRalpha (Genetex ID5). Western blots were performed using the anti-ETRB 1:200 and HRP anti-rabbit secondary (Santa Cruz Biotechnology).

Cell Culture

Human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) were grown to 70% confluence in EBM media then treated with 50 nM Endothelin receptor B inhibitor BQ-788 (American peptide), or 2.5 nm Endothelin alone or in the presence of either 50 nm Endothelin receptor A inhibitor BQ123 (American peptide), or 50 nM Endothelin receptor B inhibitor BQ-788. Alternatively cells were treated with BQ-788 alone. Media was changed every 48 hrs for a total of 6 days. After 6 days cells were harvested for RNA, flow cytometry or incubated activated T cells. T cells were activated for 48 hours with either 5 ng/ml PMA (ref) or CD3 and CD28 beads. After activation T cells were labeled with CFSE and then incubated with pretreated endothelial cells for 2 hours with shaking. Cells were then washed 3× with PBS and adhesions was determined using a fluorescent plate reader.

Example 1 Identification of Distinct Endothelial Profiles in Tumors Containing or Lacking Intraepithelial T Cells

Immunohistochemistry-guided laser capture microdissection (immuno-LCM) coupled with RNA amplification and genome-wide transcriptional profiling was utilized to analyze high-quality RNA from highly purified tumor endothelial cells. In preparatory experiments, 21 tumor endothelial cells (TEC) and 4 normal ovarian endothelial cell (EC) specimens were analyzed and to identify genes that are specifically expressed in tumor endothelium. In the present experiment, TEC samples were divided into ovarian tumors with brisk intraepithelial (IE) T cell (n=14) and tumors lacking altogether E T cells (n=11), and unsupervised hierarchical clustering was performed using 17,920 genes (after elimination of all genes wherein the difference between TEC and normal endothelial cell means was less than the standard error of the difference in the means). TECs of tumors with IE T cells were accurately classified from TECs of tumors lacking IE T cells, demonstrating a clear difference in molecular profiles (FIG. 3). When unsupervised hierarchical clustering included also profiles of normal EC, TEC from tumors lacking IE T cells clustered closely with normal EC.

Among genes differentially expressed (>2.5-fold) between the 2 types of TEC (FIG. 3), genes that were upregulated in TEC from tumors lacking IE T cells included the endothelin receptor B (ETRB); the RNA binding protein homolog Musashi 2 (MSI2); and 2 members of the Notch signaling pathway, delta-like 1 and Hairy/Enhancer of Split 1, while genes that were upregulated in TECs of tumors harboring IE T cells included the complement component 3 (C3); the apoptosis regulator CFLAR; the estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1); and the adrenergic receptor B2 (ADRBK2). Thus, expression profiling distinguished TECs from tumors with or without IE T cells and identified TEC molecules specifically associated with the absence of IE T cells.

The genes identified are set forth in Table 3: Fold change Common name and/or Gene Symbol GenBank Accession Number/SEQ ID Number Genes upregulated in ITC⁻ TVC 3.627 MEGS (Maternally expressed 3) AI291123; AB032607; 3-4 BC036882; BC036882; BC062783; AJ413186; AK055725; AK057522; AK092504; AK092707; AK124580; AK127864 2.886 SEC61G (Sec61 gamma subunit) NM_014302; BC009480;  5 BC051840; NM_014302; AF086539; 2.873 KIAA1609 AA195124; BC023251 6-7 2.82 ACTR6 (ARP6 actin-related NM_022496; BC015107;  8 protein 6 homolog) AB038229; AF212251; AK023495; AK023684; AK124075 2.784 FLJ23006 fis, clone LNG00414 AK026659  9 2.746 ATP9A (ATPase, Class II, type AB014511; AF086357; 10-11 9A) AK025559; BC016044; BC036759; AB014511; NM_006045 2.665 IMAGE: 23539 R38110 12 2.642 NCOA1 (Nuclear receptor BF576458; AJ000881; AJ000882; 13-14 coactivator 1) U59302 2.584 Wilms tumor upstream neighbor 1 NM_015855; BC002734 15 (WIT1) 2.539 IMAGE: 1909757 AI343000 16 2.513 MSI2 (Musashi homolog 2) BE220026; BC017560; 17-18 AK093888 2.502 ETRB NM_000115; AB209198; 19 D90402; S57283 2.473 PAPSS2 (3′-phosphoadenosine 5′- AW299958; AF091242 20-21 phosphosulfate synthase 2) 2.372 aldolase A, fructose-bisphosphate NM_000034 22 (ALDOA) 2.372 ZNF423 (Zinc finger protein 423) AW149417; NM_015069 23-24 2.358 ENPP2 (Ectonucleotide L35594; BC034961; AK124910; 25 pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase AK130313; D45421; 2 (autotaxin)) NM_001040092; NM_006209 2.344 HSU79266 (a.k.a. SAC3D1; SAC3 NM_013299; BC007448; U79266 26 domain containing 1) 2.34 KIAA0146 D63480 27 2.316 IMAGE: 1902075 AI300126 28 2.279 EMX2 (Empty spiracles homolog AI478455; NM_004098; 29-30 2) AF301598; BC010043; AK055041 2.273 MYBL1; (V-myb myeloblastosis AW592266; X66087 31-32 viral oncogene homolog (avian)- like 1) 2.27 MPHOSPH9 X98258 33 2.267 IMAGE: 1660792 AI083578 34 2.233 ETRB M74921 35 2.214 IMAGE: 191524 H37807 36 2.212 IMAGE: 2365035 AI800895 37 2.17 TAF3 (TAF3 RNA polymerase II, AI123516; AL117661; BC028077 38-39 TATA box binding protein (TBP)- BC062352 associated factor, 140 kDa) 2.148 SLC1A4 (Solute carrier family 1 BF340083; BC026216; 40-41 (glutamate/neutral amino acid NM_003038 transporter), member 4) 2.141 HES1 (Hairy and enhancer of split BE973687; BC039152; 42-43 1) NM_005524; AF264785; AK000415 2.135 DLK1 (Delta-like 1 homolog) U15979; BC007741; BC013197; 44 BC014015; NM_001032997; NM_003836 2.122 SGCB (Sarcoglycan, beta (43 kDa U29586; BC020709 45 dystrophin-associated glycoprotein) Genes upregulated in ITC⁺ TVC 5.412 complement component 3 (C3) NM_000064 46 3.746 IMAGE: 2755380 AW262311 47 3.455 ZNFN1A5 (a.k.a. IKZF5 (IKAROS BF056303; AK023288; 48-49 family zinc finger 5 (Pegasus)) AK055507 3.141 LOC283663 AI926479; AL713736; 50-51 AK090515; AK097083; AK123700 3.096 IGLJ3 (Human rearranged X57812; BC012159; BC015833; 52 immunoglobulin lambda light BC018749; BC020233; chain mRNA) BC020236; BC022098; BC022823 2.872 ZNF521 (Zinc finger protein 521), AK021452; AL117615; 53 BC032869 2.831 clone COL05405 AK000119 54 2.682 CALD1 (Caldesmon 1) BF063186; BC040354; 55-56 NM_004342; NM_033138-140; AB062484; AJ223812; BC015839; BX538339; BX648808 2.678 cytochrome P450, family 1, NM_000104; NM_000104; 57 subfamily B, polypeptide 1 U03688 (CYP1B1) 2.65 EIF5B (Eukaryotic translation BG261322; BC032639; 58-59 initiation factor 5B) AJ006412; AL133563; AB018284; AJ006776; AK091864; NM_015904 2.618 IMAGE: 1518332 AA903710 60 2.587 HSPC056 (a.k.a. ARMC8; BF942281; BC032661; 61-62 Armadillo repeat containing 8), BC041699 2.576 FLJ32949 (a.k.a. DPY19L2 (Dpy- AI039361; AL833344; 63-64 19-like 2 (C. elegans)) NM_173812; AY358792 2.48 CFLAR (CASP8 and FADD-like AI634046; Y14040; AF005775 65-66 apoptosis regulator) 2.467 IMAGE: 244300 N54783 67 2.457 FLJ10330/PRPF38B (PRP38 pre- N32872; BC007757; BC009453; 68-69 mRNA processing factor 38 (yeast) BC040127; BC107801 domain containing B) 2.455 C18orf14 NM_024781; BC007757; 70 BC009453; BC040127; BC107801 2.45 IMAGE: 2115041 AI417595 71 2.448 GBP1/GBP3 (Guanylate binding AW014593; AB208912; 72-73 protein 3) M55542; NM_002053 2.438 IMAGE: 731714 AA417078 74 2.427 SFRS1 (Splicing factor, AA046439; BC010264; 75-76 arginine/serine-rich 1 (splicing NM_006924; AB062124; factor 2, alternate splicing factor)), AB209558 2.426 NICAL; MICAL1 (Microtubule NM_022765; BC009972; 77 associated monoxygenase, calponin BC042144; BC052983; and LIM domain containing 1) AB048948; AK025392; BC036514; AK021999; AK024500; AK160384 2.419 NOL7 NM_016167; BC062683; 78 BC023517; AF172066 2.41 MYCBP2 (MYC binding protein 2) AA488899; AF075587; 79-80 BX647202; AB020723; AK092651; NM_015057 2.382 estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) NM_000125 81 2.382 IMAGE: 2275600 AI683805 82 2.356 ADRBK2 (Adrenergic, beta, AI651212; BC029563; 83-84 receptor kinase 2) BC063545; AK055687; AK123767 2.348 EST366269 MAGE resequences AW954199 85 2.346 SCAP2/SKAP2 (Src kinase NM_003930; BC036044 86 associated phosphoprotein 2) 2.328 Homo sapiens serine/threonine NM_006281; BC010640; 87 kinase 3 (STE20 homolog, yeast) AK131363; U26424 (STK3) 2.324 AKAP10 (A kinase (PRKA) AU147278; BC017055; 88 anchor protein 10)

Example 2 Validation of Endothelial Genes Associated with IE T-Cells

All of the above genes were detected in whole tumor RNA from a different set of tumors (n=28) (FIG. 4A) as well as in CD146⁺ VE-cadherin+CD45⁻ TEC freshly immuno-purified by FACS from advanced ovarian cancers (n=7). Overexpression of ETRB, KIAA1609, and NCOA in tumors lacking IE T cells (n=12) was confirmed by qRT-PCR (4.3-fold and 2.2-fold respectively, p<0.05). Furthermore, ETRB, KIAA1609, and NCOA were significantly overexpressed by qRT-PCR in TEC from tumors lacking IE T cells (all, p<0.0x; n=3) (FIG. 4). Furthermore, overexpression of C3, caldesmin-1, HSPC056, ADRBK2, and ESR1 in tumors exhibiting E T cells was confirmed by qRT-PCR (all p<0.05; n=16) (FIG. 4A). C3, caldesmin-1, HSPC056, ADRBK2, and ESR1 were significantly overexpressed by qRT-PCR also in TEC from tumors harboring IE T cells (t-test; n=4) (FIG. 4B). Thus, association of specific endothelial genes with the presence or absence of IE T cells was confirmed by qRT-PCR.

Example 3 Overexpression of ETRB and its Ligand, ET-1, Associate with Lack of IE T-Cells

ETRB was consistently associated with absence of IE T cells in human ovarian cancer; thus, expression of this protein in ovarian cancer and its function in T cell homing were examined further. Consistent with the results above, ETRB protein was detected by IHC in ovarian tumor vasculature and stromal cells, but not in tumor cells. IHC revealed higher expression of endothelial ETRB in tumors lacking IE T cells relative to tumors harboring T cells. The endothelial location of ESR1 and ADRBK2 was validated by IHC with available antibodies.

ETRB protein was further quantified by Western blotting in ovarian cancer samples (n=40); it was detected at lower levels in the 20 tumors harboring IE T cells, but was robustly expressed in 16 of 20 tumors lacking IE T cells (FIG. 5). Among tumors with IE T cells, those expressing ETRB were associated with lower density of IE T cells compared to tumors lacking IE T cells as assessed by CD3 IHC as well as CD3-epsilon mRNA levels. Thus, increased expression of ETRB by tumor endothelium is associated with absence or paucity of IE T cells.

Expression of the ligand of ETRB, endothelin-1 (ET-1), was examined in ovarian cancer. ET-1 expression was restricted to tumor islets. To test whether ET-1 is expressed by tumor cells, ET-1 mRNA levels in highly purified tumor cells procured by immuno-LCM were quantified. Strong expression of ET-1 in vivo was documented in tumor cells isolated from 10 ovarian cancers. Further, ET-1 expression was significantly higher in tumors lacking IE T cells relative to tumors harboring IE T cells. Collectively, these data show that over-expression of ETRB by tumor endothelium and its ligand ET-1 by tumor cells is associated with abrogation of T cell infiltration in tumor islets. Further, these findings show that a molecular crosstalk occurs between tumor cells and tumor endothelium that predicts lack of T cell homing to tumors and show an important role of the ET-1/ETRB axis in controlling T cell trafficking in tumors.

Example 4 ETRB Overexpression Predicts Poor Outcome in Ovarian Cancer

IE T cell infiltration is a strong predictor of clinical outcome in ovarian cancer. To determine whether ETRB overexpression is predictive of poor outcome in ovarian cancer, ETRB expression was quantified by qRT-PCR in 62 EOC specimens (38 with and 23 lacking IE T-cells) and patients were stratified into groups. There were significant differences in the distributions of both overall survival and disease-free survival, according to high and low expression of ETRB (p<0.001); the five-year overall survival rate was 41% for patients whose tumors exhibited higher ETRB expression versus 100% for those whose tumors exhibited the lowest expression ETRB EOC patients (FIG. 6). In univariate analysis, the hazard ratio for lowest ETRB-expressing group was 0.05 for overall survival (95% CI 0-0.42, p<=0.005) and 0.15 for disease-free survival compared to the highest group (95% CI 0.04-0.56, p<=0.005). High expression of ETRB strongly correlated with absence of IE T-cells.

Example 5 Endothelial ETRB Regulates T Cell Trafficking Materials and Experimental Methods

The murine epithelial ovarian cancer cell line ID8, syngeneic to C57BL/6 mice was cultured in DMEM supplemented with 4% FBS, 13 ITS media supplement (bovine insulin (5 mg/L), human transferrin (5 mg/L), and sodium selenite (5 mg/L); Sigma), and antibiotics.

Flank and Orthotopic, Intraperitoneal ID8 Models

Female C57BL/6 mice (8 weeks of age) were injected 3 times i.p. with 1×10⁶ UV-treated, apoptotic ID8 ovarian cancer cells (resuspended in 500 microliter (mcL) DMEM without supplements) in the flank. For the orthotopic, intraperitoneal model, mice were injected i.p. with 5×10⁶ ID8 cells.

Results

To confirm that ETRB plays a role in inhibiting T cell homing to human ovarian cancers, the ID8 syngeneic mouse model of ovarian cancer was utilized. This model responds modestly to potent dendritic cell (DC) vaccination. Strong expression of ETRB was detected in tumor endothelium in ID8 flank tumors by IHC (FIG. 7). Mice were vaccinated with a suboptimal preventive vaccine, containing UV-treated ID8 cells, which results in induction of systemic tumor-reactive interferon-gamma secreting T cells without significant delay in tumor growth Following vaccination, mice were inoculated with flank tumors, which were allowed to engraft for 2 or 5 weeks, and then mice were treated i.p. with the ETRB antagonist peptide, BQ-788, SKRGRRPGAKALSRVREDIVE (SEQ ID No: 89), every 2^(nd) day for 2 weeks or with control peptide that was a scrambled version of the above peptide. Additional controls included non-vaccinated animals treated with BQ-788 or control peptide. To confirm that the above vaccination scheme results in significant increase in the frequency of systemic tumor-reactive T cells, CD3⁺/CD8⁺ splenocytes from vaccinated animals treated with BQ-788 or control peptide, and from non-vaccinated mice, were labeled with CFSE and incubated with DC pulsed with UV-radiated ID8 for 6 days to assess proliferation. T cells from non-vaccinated animals showed minimal proliferation, while T cells from vaccinated animals exhibited robust proliferation, confirming the presence of anti-tumor T cells in these animals (FIG. 8C). Proliferation of lymphocytes from vaccinated mice treated with BQ-788 or control peptide was similar. Similarly, in CTL assays, CD3⁺/CD8⁺ splenocytes from vaccinated animals treated with BQ-788 or control peptide exhibited robust ID8 cell killing, while CD3⁺/CD8⁺ splenocytes from non-immunized mice exhibited no killing (FIG. 8D).

Treatment of vaccinated mice with BQ-788, starting at 2 or at 5 weeks, led to significant reduction in tumor growth (FIG. 6B, FIG. 7). Tumor growth delay was not observed in non-vaccinated mice treated with BQ-788 or in vaccinated mice treated with control peptide. Tumors from vaccinated mice treated with BQ-788 exhibited areas with very strong infiltration by CD8⁺ T cells. In contrast, non-vaccinated animals treated with BQ-788 as well as vaccinated animals treated with control peptide exhibited scarce intratumoral CD8⁺ T cells (FIG. 8). Flow cytometry from mechanically dissected tumors confirmed the results observed with IHC: In non-vaccinated animals treated with BQ-788 as well as in vaccinated animals treated with control peptide, CD3⁺ cells represented on average 4% of the cells (range 0.5 to 12%), while vaccinated animals treated with BQ-788, CD3⁺ cells represented 15% of the cells (range 8 to 30%), containing both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells (FIG. 8).

The impact of BQ-788 on survival in vaccinated animals was also tested in the orthotopic, intraperitoneal ID8 model of ovarian cancer. Following vaccination, mice were injected i.p. with ID8 cells. Two weeks later, animals received either BQ-788 or control peptide every 2^(nd) day for 2 weeks. Vaccinated animals treated with BQ-788 developed ascites later than vaccinated animals treated with control peptide and exhibited a significant prolongation of survival (FIG. 8F). Thus, systemic administration of an ETRB antagonist markedly enhances the ability of effector cells, previously induced through vaccination, to home to tumors and exert rejection.

Example 6 ETRB Blockade Upregulates Endothelial ICAM-1

Next, the effect of BQ-788 on human and murine endothelial cells or T cells was tested in the presence or absence of ET-1 ligand. In addition, the effect of endothelin receptor A antagonist BQ123 was tested. Treatment of HUVEC with BQ-788 in the presence of Endothelin led to a distinct morphological change in the HUVEC cells (FIG. 9). In addition, qRT-PCR demonstrated over 7-fold increased expression of the ICAM-1 mRNA in HUVEC treated with Endothelin and BQ-788 compared to untreated HUVEC or HUVEC in the presence of Endothelin alone, or Endothelin plus the ETRA antagonist. Moreover, there was a decrease in the expression of VE-Cadherin mRNA in BQ788-treated cells (FIG. 9). No specific changes were detected in mRNA levels for ICAM-2, ICAM-3, E-selectin, JAM, CXCL-11, CCL-19, or CCL-21.

The ability of activated T cells to adhere to BQ-788-treated HUVEC was also tested. Human T cells activated with either PMA or CD3/CD28 cross-linking exhibited increased adherence to HUVEC treated with Endothelin in the presence of BQ-788, compared to HUVEC treated with Endothelin alone, or treated with Endothelin and ETRA antagonist, or untreated HUVEC (FIG. 9). T cell adherence to BQ788/Endothelin-treated HUVEC was 40% as effective as TNF-alpha activation of HUVEC. Thus, under the conditions utilized, BQ788 induces expression of ICAM-1 on endothelial cells and leads to increased T cell adhesion to tumor endothelium, playing a role in its increase of intratumoral T cells and enhancement of vaccine efficacy.

To further test the role of ETRB signaling in adhesion, the effects of NO antagonist L-NAME and NO donor DETANO were tested under the above experimental conditions. L-NAME restored T cell adhesion to HUVEC in the presence of TNF- and ET-1, while DETANO mimicked the effects of ET-1. Thus, ET-1, through ETRB, downregulates the ability of endothelium to respond to inflammatory signals present in the tumor microenvironment such as TNF-α, which is restored by blocking ETRB through BQ788. Further, an NO antagonist abrogated the effects of ET-1, while NO donor reproduced its effect, showing that NO plays a role in the inhibitory effect of ET-1. To further test whether ETRB signaling upregulates NO in endothelial cells, reactive oxidative species (ROS) were quantified in HUVEC. Exposure of HUVEC to rhET-1 upregulated ROS, while addition of BQ788 abrogated such response to ET-1. Suppression of ROS by BQ788 was as potent as bacterial LPS. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a solid tumor expressing Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) in a subject, comprising: administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a tumor cell-based vaccine that activates a cytotoxic, tumor-antigen specific T-cell response; and administering to said vaccinated subject a therapeutically effective amount of an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) inhibitor to enhance the efficacy of said vaccine, and wherein the ETRB inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of BQ788, Bosentan, tezosentan, and an antibody.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said inhibitor BQ788.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said tumor cell-based vaccine comprises apoptotic tumor cells.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said subject is a human subject.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein expression or activity of an intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1 protein) is increased.
 6. A method of enhancing the efficacy of a tumor cell-based vaccine for a solid tumor expressing Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) in a subject, comprising the steps of: administering a therapeutically effective amount of the tumor cell-based to the subject, and contacting said subject with an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) inhibitor in an effective amount to enhance the efficacy of the vaccine for the solid tumor in said subject, and wherein the ETRB inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of BQ788, Bosentan, tezosentan, and an antibody, and wherein said vaccine activates a cytotoxic, tumor-antigen specific T-cell response.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said inhibitor is BQ788.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein said tumor cell-based vaccine comprises apoptotic tumor cells.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein expression or activity of an intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1 protein) is increased.
 10. A method of delaying growth of a solid tumor expressing Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) in a subject, comprising: administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a tumor cell-based vaccine that activates a cytotoxic, tumor-antigen specific T-cell response; and administering to said vaccinated subject a therapeutically effective amount of an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) inhibitor to enhance the efficacy of said vaccine, and wherein the ETRB inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of BQ788, Bosentan, tezosentan, and an antibody.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said tumor cell-based vaccine comprises apoptotic tumor cells.
 12. A method for identifying and treating a subject who is likely to benefit from a combination therapy comprising administering a tumor cell-based vaccine that activates a cytotoxic, tumor-antigen specific T-cell response, and an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) blockade to treat a solid tumor, said method comprising the steps of a. measuring an expression level of an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) or a nucleotide molecule encoding an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) in said solid tumor; b. comparing said expression level to a reference standard comprising a normal vascular sample, and c. administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of said tumor cell-based vaccine; and administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an Endothelin B receptor (ETRB) inhibitor to enhance the efficacy of said vaccine, and wherein the ETRB inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of BQ788, Bosentan, tezosentan, and an antibody, if said expression level is higher than said reference standard. 